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Cosart perfect for five as Astros blank Nats

Right-hander whiffs nine, including six straight; Guzman goes deep

3/19/14: Jarred Cosart strikes out nine over five perfect innings of work in a Spring Training matchup with the Nationals

By Bill Ladson
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MLB.com |

VIERA, Fla. -- Right-hander Jarred Cosart had a 7.71 ERA entering Wednesday night's action, but he was perfect for five innings at Space Coast Stadium as the Astros blanked the Nationals, 2-0.

Cosart struck out six in a row in one stretch and finished with nine strikeouts. Nationals right fielder Jayson Werth was the only hitter to get the ball out of the infield against Cosart.

Houston supported Cosart in the first against Washington right-hander Taylor Jordan. With one out, Jose Altuve reached base on an infield single, then stole second before going to third on a throwing error by Jordan. Altuve then scored on a groundout by Jason Castro.

The Nationals didn't collect their first hit until the sixth, when Anthony Rendon singled to right field off lefty Raul Valdes. Later in the inning, the Nationals loaded the bases with two outs, but Ryan Zimmerman flied out to right field.

Jordan, who is battling for the fifth spot in the rotation, pitched five solid innings, allowing the one run and striking out five.

In that same inning, Carlos Correa -- ranked as the Astros' top prospect by MLB.com -- left the game after he was hit on the left hand by Clippard. Correa felt fine after the game will have an X-ray on Thursday.

Up next: Right-hander Lucas Harrell, who allowed 12 hits and nine earned runs in 1 2/3 innings Saturday against the Tigers in Lakeland, Fla., starts against the Phillies at Osceola County Stadium at 12:05 p.m. CT on Thursday. Harrell, who is out of options, is fighting for one of the final rotation spots and could use a good outing to boost his chances. The game will air on MLB.TV and Gameday Audio.